The tour of ‘Azalea Village Story’ has come to an end after visiting thirteen schools across 8 provinces.
“After watching the North Korean human rights play, many students applauded and cheered during the performance,” said Saejowi’s CEO, Dr. Mi-nyeo Shin. “I think it is because the complete stage and professional actors visited the school together and showed the best quality play.”
‘Azalea Village Story’ showcased interpersonal dynamics in a small village of North Korean defectors, bringing attention to the difficulties of reconciling the different lived experiences between North Korea and South Korea—ultimately illustrating that adjustment is complex. Various struggles were spotlighted, including isolation, family-separation, human rights abuses, and physical & mental health challenges. These are the very obstacles that Saejowi aims to tackle, in order to better help defectors adjust to South Korean society.
Curiously, the play is named after the azalea flower—one that blooms across the entire Korean Peninsula, north and south. For many defectors in South Korea, it can serve as a sweet reminder of home. “Hopefully, this opportunity will change the perception of human rights in North Korea,” said Dr. Shin.
“The play was enjoyed by 10,000 students and faculty members,” she continued. “A satisfaction survey will be conducted on 37,000 people.” This tour was made possible by the Ministry of Unification and Saejowi Initiative for National Integration.
Director: Kim Young-soo. Playwright: Jang Han-byeol. Directed: Lee Joo-han. Cast: Gang Kang, Lee Seon, Chang Yu-ri, Kim Ha-Young, Han Dong-hee, Yoon Min-goo, Kim Soo-chan, Kwon Hyun-woo.